Concerns have been raised by Scottish business organisations that the introduction of new licensing laws could create confusion and lead to increased costs for smaller alcohol retailers.

The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, which came into force on 1 September this year as part of an overhaul of the country's licensing system, now requires pubs and off licences to have a personally licensed premises manager, while all staff dealing with the sale of alcohol will have to be re-trained. Drinks promotions and the off-sale of alcohol between 10pm and 10am has also been prohibited under the terms of the legislation, which the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) have labelled as "confusing".

Andy Willox, the FSB's Scottish policy convener, said: "Our first concern is that the compliance costs are disproportionately hitting the smallest, community-based retailers. "Secondly, licensees are unaware of - or confused about - just what obligations they'll have under the new system, leading to fears that they may be unwittingly leaving themselves open to action."

SRC director Ian Shearer added: "For retailers, especially those struggling in the recession, the compliance costs and burdens have been out of proportion. This is not better regulation and consumers will be surprised by some of the changes. It again calls into question the rush to yet more legislation later this year."